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Two-try Tuipulotu to carry form into New Zealand clash

Melbourne Rebels centre Sione Tuipulotu made his presence felt in the in-field, as the Australian U20s ran in five tries to Scotlands’ three to claim a 35-19 win in their World Rugby U20s Championship clash.

Tuipulotu crossed for two of the teams’ tries, barging over the Scottish defence in the first half before finishing off a 90 metre effort in the second stanza.

“It was awesome to get over for two tries, to do it on a night like tonight was special. Both tries were scored off the back of some solid team work,” Tuipulotu said.

“The first one was off the back of some work from the forwards in tight, and the second came from some great handling through the backs, I thought the boys played really well.”

The second try saw the Australian’s run over 90 metres for Tuipulotu to dot down under the posts, something that doesn’t happen to often for the centre.

“No I haven’t been involved in many tries like that in my life. But it was good to be involved in one tonight in a special win for the team.

While missing out on selection for the first pool game of the tournament, where the Australian’s went down to Scotland 15-10, Tuipulotu was just as disappointed with the result as those who had played and relished in the opportunity for redemption against the Scots.

“The boys were really disappointed after the first loss to Scotland, our opening game of the tournament. We let ourselves down and we knew that we had to really try and pull together for a win in our second encounter.”

Now turning his attention to Australia’s final clash against New Zealand, Tuipulotu can’t wait to have a third crack at the junior All Blacks for the year.

“We’re hungry for the win over New Zealand, they’re coming of a big win as are we. It’s going to be a cracking game.

“We really have to come out and get on the front foot early against them. We have created our own tri-game series with them for 2016 now so definitely look to get our second win over them for the year.”

Australia takes on New Zealand in the fifth-place playoff at 1:45am AEST on Sunday.